A few thoughts on Scotland

As I start to round the corner on the tail end of my trip. I thought I'd capture some of my thoughts. Overall, I am content with my choice to visit Scotland.

The country has held up to all the stereotypes shown in hollywood and in world books. The countryside is beautiful. The soft rolling hills are green and lush, with country houses and castles scattered throughout. Whether it's on a train to the highlands, through the land that William Wallace and Robert the Bruce once defended, to the southern parts of the coast---nature abounds. And so do the sheep. I am fascinated by the sheep. I'm quite sure why, I've never been particular about them before. Perhaps it's the contrast of their white wool to the countryside that makes them stand out. Or maybe it's the heartwarming sight of lambs chasing after each other. Scotland is quite similar to the the green landscape of Washington State, the only notable difference is the trees. Scotland does not have forests (those seen in Braveheart are actually of Ireland). Scottish trees are shorter in stature in comparison to our evergreens.

The Scottish people have been generous, kind, and friendly. There is not a distain for tourism like I've experienced in other countries. I'm not made to feel like an invader or unwelcome. I know that there are bad people in every corner of the world, but I have not experienced that here. I've felt very safe approaching people at pubs, striking up conversations, and asking for directions--whether on the street or in a store. Some nights I've out have been to the wee hours, but I was never scared walking back to the hostel alone.

It's hard to say who is the best in the world--but Scots must be in the top ranking for national pride. Every Scot I've met is very proud of their country and prouder of their local community. As Americans, I feel we are a nation of pride as well. Our flags and our songs sing of it. However, in everyday conversation, we don't discuss it, or boast of it. I wonder if the idea of pride is in our imagery, not a real part of the soul? Or at least for my generation. Now, I don't speak for every American. I know plenty American who are proud and have served our nation. And I'm proud of that. For me though, as grateful as I am to have the advantages of being American and the privileges I've experienced- I don't feel my heart sings for America in the same way. Every time I've come overseas, I feel more than willing to give it all up for a life over here. Once again, I find myself struggling with whether I'm living the life I want. I was so fierce about loving Italy and moving to Italy. Why haven't I done it? Italy would have been especially hard with the language barrier, but I bet I could make it work in the UK. What is about my soul that I yearn to live out of my country? Will traveling ever be enough? The thought moves me to tears. I saw a quote the other day that I'd love to share:

May you live as long as you want; May you never want as long as you live

( Don't worry Dad ) This blog is not my resignation or my testament to move. It's just an acknowledgment in three years, my desire to live abroad still burns. I think it's healthy to desire more and to strive for greatness. I do not want to want as long as I live. I would like to find that balance and the comfort in knowing that I had the best life for me.

More about Scotland

I have to be honest and say the accents truly are fantastic, I enjoy easedropping on the trains. What television don't show you, is how hard it's talk to a Scot when they are talking fast. Scot's have words that are unique to them, which can slow down a conversation as well. For example:

Skint = broke
Wean (pronouced Wayne) = child

Swearing is prevalent. I've thought I had a foul mouth, but I pale in comparison. Scot's interject the F word into most conversations. Somehow, it doesn't sound as offensive when an elderly woman on the bus is saying **** *****. Everyone just swears.

The weather has been superb. For a country of grey rainy weather, I've had sunshine every single day. There were two mornings that started off dreary but cleared up. During the day, I've been set with a t shirt on and a light jacket or sweatshirt for when it got windy. I've regretted not having sunglasses and felt too cheap to buy any. Folks tell me over and over again that it's not normal. That is is the best weather they've seen and probably will expect to see the entire year. This makes me feel incredibly blessed. I spend my days strolling the area and it wouldn't have been quite as pleasant in the rain.

The cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh are both spectacular. If you were interested in visiting Scotland, I'd recommend splitting time between the two and then taking day trips north and south. Most people have a preference and I'm definitely partial to Glasgow, though I've spent more time here.

Alas, out of time. I will  am off to get my fifth and final tattoo. Five is my favorite number. I will round out the 2 tattoos on my wrists and 2 on my ankles, with one on my calf. I'm getting the Napier Crest tattooed. Fitting that my heritage is Scottish and I'm in Scotland. I'm nervous about it. The pain of a tattoo is no party. It's been a couple of years since I've gotten one and now that I'm a bit older, I definitely don't go into it with the same boldness I did before. Here's what it will look like: